Volkswagen ID.6 Will Battle The BMW i4 With 430-Mile Range

Last week, Volkswagen was caught testing a large three-row electric SUV disguised as a Peugeot that will slot above the ID.4. This model was believed to be badged as the ID.6, but a new report by Autocar claims the ID.6 will be sold as a sedan or wagon inspired by the stylish ID. Vizzion Concept sedan and ID. Space Vizzion wagon.

Internally, the fifth member of the ID. family following the ID.3 hatchback, ID.4 crossover, ID.5 coupe, and the production ID. Buzz is known as Aero-B and will battle the BMW i4 and Mercedes EQE when it enters production. In terms of dimensions, the ID.6 will be around the same size as Europe's Volkswagen Passat.

While the ID.6 name hasn't been given the green light yet, it would make sense as the number six is associated with wellbeing in China. There's also a lot of demand for large sedans in this market, so the ID.6 would likely be a huge hit in China.

The ID.6 will reportedly be offered with either a single electric motor providing rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor setup with four-wheel drive. With the dual-motor setup, a high-performance GTX variant will accelerate from 0-62 mph in around 5.6 seconds according to VW's head of research and development Frank Welsch, while the single-motor version will do the same sprint in around 8.5 seconds. Like other ID. models, the ID.6 will be underpinned by VW's MEB platform.

Multiple battery sizes will be offered, with the range-topping model utilizing a 84-kWh battery pack providing a range of around 431 miles. To compare, the ID.4's 82-kWh battery has a range of 250 miles based on the EPA cycle. It's worth noting the ID.6's range is likely based on Europe's WLTP cycle, so the EPA range could be closer to 300 miles.

The longer range will be achieved thanks to improved lithium battery cell efficiency, reduced rolling resistance, and new aerodynamic enhancements for the ID.6. Using a DC rapid charger with a charging rate of up to 200 kW, the ID.6 will reportedly add 143 miles in just ten minutes. Production of the ID.6 will begin at Volkswagen's Emden plant in Germany from 2023. Before then, customer deliveries of the sold-out ID.4 1st Edition are due to start in the US this month.